"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die" – these were the words of an English writer, G.K. Chesterton.

But they are personified by every American Veteran who has stepped forward to protect and serve our nation. These heroes made a commitment to defend their country, their families and every fellow citizen with their lives, if necessary.

Parade-goers from last year wave and cheer! Photo by Peg Degrassa,courtesy of the Delco News Network.

Media's 58th Annual Veterans Parade is Friday, Nov. 10th at 11am. It is an opportunity for us to step forward and show our appreciation for every soldier that has served this country.

THE FIRST VETERANS DAY PARADE WAS IN 1947
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, set aside to honor veterans of World War I.

But after World War II a World War II veteran from Birmingham named Raymond Weeks had an idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans. In 1947 he led a delegation to Washington, D.C. to urge then-Army Chief of Staff General Dwight Eisenhower to create a national holiday that honored all veterans. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation establishing November 11th as Veterans Day. President Reagan honored Weeks as the driving force for the national holiday with the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 at the White House.